Encapsulation system for prolonged release of active agents

Abstract

The present technology generally relates to an encapsulation system for delivery of an active agent, the encapsulation system comprising a matrix of microcapsules, wherein a first portion of microcapsules in the matrix of microcapsules has an average diameter of from about 0.1 microns to about 10 microns; a second portion of the microcapsules has an average diameter of from about 10 microns to about 100 microns; and a third portion of the microcapsules has an average diameter of from about 100 microns to about 500 microns; and wherein the active agent is encapsulated in the microcapsules.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. An encapsulation system for delivery of an active agent, the encapsulation system comprising a matrix of microcapsules, the microcapsules having a microcapsule shell obtained from a formulation consisting of methyl salicylate, at least one surfactant, diphenyl phosphate, and water, the microcapsule shell surrounding a core-forming space, wherein a first portion of microcapsules in the matrix of microcapsules has an average diameter of from about 0.1 microns to about 10 microns; a second portion of the microcapsules has an average diameter of from about 10 microns to about 100 microns; and a third portion of the microcapsules has an average diameter of from about 100 microns to about 500 microns; and wherein the active agent is encapsulated in the microcapsules; and wherein the surface area of the microcapsules is from about 100 m 2 /g to about 1000 m 2 /g. 
     
     
       2. A support for delivery of an active agent to a subject, the support comprising an encapsulation system distributed in at least a portion of the support, the encapsulation system comprising a matrix of microcapsules, the microcapsules having a microcapsule shell obtained from a formulation consisting of methyl salicylate, at least one surfactant, diphenyl phosphate, and water, the microcapsule shell surrounding a core-forming space, wherein a first portion of microcapsules in the matrix of microcapsules has an average diameter of from about 0.1 microns to about 10 microns; a second portion of the microcapsules has an average diameter of from about 10 microns to about 100 microns; and a third portion of the microcapsules has an average diameter of from about 100 microns to about 500 microns; wherein the active agent is encapsulated in the microcapsules; wherein the surface area of the microcapsules is from about 100 m 2 /g to about 1000 m 2 /g; and wherein the support releases the active agent for at least about 100 hours. 
     
     
       3. The support as defined in  claim 2 , wherein the support releases the active agent for at least about 200 hours, or at least about 300 hours, or at least about 400 hours, or at least about 500, or at least about 600 hours, or at least about 700 hours. 
     
     
       4. The support as defined in  claim 2 , wherein the release of the active agent is sustained for at least about 100 hours. 
     
     
       5. The support as defined in  claim 4 , wherein the release of the active agent is sustained for at least about 200 hours, or at least about 300 hours, or at least about 400 hours, or at least about 500, or at least about 600 hours, or at least about 700 hours. 
     
     
       6. The support as defined in  claim 2 , wherein the release of the active agent is constant for at least 100 hours. 
     
     
       7. The support as defined in  claim 6 , wherein the release of the active agent is constant for at least about 200 hours, or at least about 300 hours, or at least about 400 hours, or at least about 500, or at least about 600 hours, or at least about 700 hours. 
     
     
       8. The support as defined in  claim 2 , wherein the support is a textile. 
     
     
       9. The support as defined in  claim 2 , wherein the support is a fabric. 
     
     
       10. The support as defined in  claim 2 , wherein the support is a polymer.